Bijapur, Chhattisgarh – In a deadly attack by Naxals on Monday afternoon, an IED blast near Ambeli village, about 40 kilometers from Bijapur headquarters, claimed the lives of 8 District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawans and the driver of the vehicle they were traveling in. The blast, which occurred around 2:15 PM, was so powerful that it left a 10-foot deep crater on the road and reduced the vehicle to mangled debris scattered over a wide area.
According to IG Bastar Range Sundarraj P, the joint operation team was returning to Bijapur after completing a mission when the Naxals triggered the improvised explosive device (IED). The blast impact was devastating, with vehicle fragments found as high as 25 feet on nearby trees and up to 30 feet away from the road.
Visuals from Ground Zero Reveal Devastation
Eyewitness accounts and visuals from the scene depict the sheer intensity of the explosion:
- The road at the blast site has a crater so deep that it reportedly exceeds a reporter’s height by 4-5 feet.
- Debris from the vehicle was scattered across a large radius, with parts found hanging on trees at significant heights.
- The bodies of the martyred jawans were discovered in severely disfigured conditions, highlighting the magnitude of the blast.
- The vehicle was completely obliterated, with reports suggesting it was thrown several feet into the air before being reduced to rubble upon impact.
- Post-blast, a rescue operation was launched using JCB machines to clear debris and recover the remains of the personnel.
Chief Minister Pays Tribute, Vows to Eradicate Naxalism
Reacting to the tragic incident, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai paid homage to the martyred jawans, stating, “I bow to the supreme sacrifice of our 8 brave jawans and their driver. Their martyrdom will not go in vain. The Naxals, frustrated by their repeated defeats, have resorted to such cowardly acts. We are committed to eliminating Naxalism and restoring peace in Chhattisgarh soon.”
He further assured that the government would intensify its anti-Naxal operations and continue its efforts to bring stability and development to the affected regions.
Fallen Heroes: Names of Martyred Jawans
The names of the 8 jawans martyred in the attack have not been released at the time of reporting. Their sacrifice adds to the ongoing battle against Naxalism in Chhattisgarh, where security forces have been relentlessly pursuing Maoist insurgents.
Recent Anti-Naxal Operation: 5 Naxals Killed
This tragic incident comes just two days after a successful anti-Naxal operation in the forests of Abujhmad, where a fierce encounter resulted in the elimination of 5 Maoists, including a female Naxal cadre. However, during the operation, DRG jawan Sannu Karam was martyred in action. The recent spike in Naxal activity underscores the challenges faced by security forces in the region.
The Growing Naxal Threat and the Road Ahead
Despite sustained counter-insurgency efforts, Naxal violence continues to pose a significant threat in parts of Chhattisgarh. Security experts note that while the operational successes of the DRG and other forces have weakened Naxal influence, sporadic attacks such as this highlight the need for continued vigilance and strategic planning.
The government’s focus remains on dismantling Naxal networks, improving infrastructure in remote areas, and increasing the presence of security forces. With several high-profile operations in recent months, authorities believe that the insurgency is losing ground, but incidents like the Bijapur attack are a grim reminder of the ongoing battle.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
